Development Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Business Development Specialist will work closely with the Executive Director and will lead the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area’s (DSCBA) fundraising and donor engagement strategy to secure financial resources that support the DSCBA’s mission. This individual cultivates and stewards' relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, and partners (new and previously established); oversees donor communications; and develops campaigns that help drive and sustain the DSCBAs philanthropic growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

o Develop and lead a comprehensive development strategy encompassing major gifts, sponsorships, annual appeals, corporate giving, and planned giving.

o Set annual revenue targets with the Executive Director and monitor performance metrics against goals.

o Manage all aspects of donor cultivation, stewardship, and acknowledgment.

o Provide regular fundraising updates, analysis, and strategic recommendations to the Executive Director and Board of Directors to guide decision-making and long-term sustainability.

Donor Relations & Major Gifts

o Build strong relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, local businesses, and foundation contacts.

o Work closely with the Executive Director on Major Gift solicitation and strategy.

o Guide staff and Board of Directors in implementing communications and engagement plans that increase supporter retention and inspire increased giving (one-time to monthly giving, annual to multi-year commitments).

Campaigns & Grants

o Work with the Executive Director and Communications manager on direct mail and email campaigns, donor retention strategies, and various giving days (Giving Tuesday, Year End, Campaign 21, etc.).

o Collaborate with Grant Writer and Executive Director on various proposal strategies and content.

o Identify new funding opportunities and contribute to grant and sponsorship submissions and reports.

Sponsorships & Advertising

o Seek, solicit and secure new event sponsorships, in-kind donations, and new community partners.

o Work with the Executive Director and Events team to develop advertising and sponsorship packages and benefits that are aligned with the DSCBA’s mission and goals.

Development Operations

o Maintain accurate records in DSCBA’s CRM and event databases (Salesforce, Classy).

o Work with Director of Finance and Operations, Executive Director and at times the Grant Writer to ensure timely gift processing and reporting.

QUALIFICATIONS

o 5+ years of experience in nonprofit donor development and fundraising.

o Proven track record of securing a variety of impactful gifts, and sponsors for prior organization(s).

o Strong communication, relationship building, and public speaking skills are a must.

o Proficiency in donor CRM systems, analytics, and reporting tools.

o A knowledge of, and connections to the Bay Area philanthropic landscape is highly desirable.

o Ability to work some evenings and weekends for donor engagement events and stewardship activities with flexible scheduling as needed.

The Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area is passionate and dedicated to encouraging the unlimited potential in children and adults with Down syndrome throughout the San Francisco Bay Area since 1998. Our mission is to empower, inspire and support people with Down syndrome, their families and the community that serves them, while fostering awareness and acceptance in all areas of life. We pride ourselves on developing services that are in line with our members’ needs and continuously break down barriers to success by providing resources, technology and education through our direct services.

Company Description

The Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area is passionate and dedicated to encouraging the unlimited potential in children and adults with Down syndrome throughout the San Francisco Bay Area since 1998. Our mission is to empower, inspire and support people with Down syndrome, their families and the community that serves them, while fostering awareness and acceptance in all areas of life. We pride ourselves on developing services that are in line with our members’ needs and continuously break down barriers to success by providing resources, technology and education through our direct services.